Sonoma birders out in force on Friday

Area birders of all levels are welcomed to participate in the 12th annual winter bird census scheduled for Friday, Dec. 30, from dawn to dusk.

Last year more than 100 participants from surrounding communities counted 172 species in a 24-hour period. The designated Sonoma Valley circle, ranked among the best bird counts in the U.S. attracts experienced birders from across Northern California. The birding circle includes two mountain ranges and two watersheds which are significantly affected by the San Francisco Bay climate and two daily tides.

This Audubon tradition, which started in New York’s Central Park, is 117 years old with more than 2,100 designated CBCs throughout the Americas. All Christmas Bird Count areas in the United States are standardized to a 15-mile diameter circle. The center point of the Sonoma Valley circle is near Arnold Drive and Orange Avenue. The more area covered within the circle, the more accurate the Sonoma Valley count will be. Organizers are working to improve the coverage each year, according to Gene Hunn, compiler.

All the CBC results are formally published in “American Birds,” a publication of National Audubon Society, and on line at a Cornell University website. The data is used not only as a long term statistical data base, but also as a current barometer to the health and status of the Valley communities.

Sonoma Valley circle is divided into nine regions, with each region further sub-divided into three or four areas, each to be covered as thoroughly as possible by a team of observers. If participants have counted before, feel free to contact the leader of your team from the previous year. Otherwise e-mail the count compiler, Gene Hunn, at enhunn323@comcast.net, to be assigned to an area team. Visit the website at sonomabirding.com for additional information.

Participants should dress for the anticipated cool weather and plan on birding for the full day. Bring binoculars, spotting scopes and bird guides. All levels of birders are welcomed.